Here we go with chapter 29 is here and I hope everyone is ready for this chapter. Thank you all again for your support. I appreciate it and so does my friend. He is happy with how this story has gone and how it's still going on.
Been taking my time with the chapters since I've been getting some new ideas. Not just for this story, but others too. I do want to try finishing up the ones I've been working on. So, I'm going to do my best to get the chapters out, but taking my time with each one. To ensure they all get finished and all come out the way I want them too.
Now, last time we saw the crew of the Black Pearl meeting with William "Will" Turner, captain of the Flying Dutchman. After the events of the third movie, Will became captain when Davey Jones was killed. But the ship needs a captain to continue with the duties that Jones was tasked with.
To save Will's life, Jack Sparrow had him kill Davey Jones, so he can become captain. Will and Elizabeth had a child together, before Will left to do his job. So, its not surprising when Gabriella would end up meeting Will. Due to the connection between Will and Gabby's dad. And managed to convince him to let them pass to get to Neverland.
Also, I brought Morgana back just to be taken away. To end that little plot of her still alive, but frozen away. At least this way, she would get punished. And would not return.
How will things go for our heroes now that they're in Neverland? What will happen to Titus and his crew who need time to catch up to Neverland? Will Gabriella and her friends find Poseidon's trident? Or will they run into some trouble?
Tune in today to find out everyone. Now, time for the disclaimer. I don't own anything owned by Disney except the OCs of my friend. Also, again I'm doing this for my friend who can no longer work on my projects.
Enjoy the chapter everyone.
Chapter XXIX
Atlantic Ocean
A day has passed since last night's dinner at the captain's quarters onboard the Leviathan. To say things went horribly is an understatement. It got out of control, to the point, that Marina came close to killing two of her crewmates and Queen Ariel. What's more?
She attacked the rest of her crew, including Titus. Something she had never done before. Tensions were already high due to the history between Ariel and Marina. Mostly revolving around Marina's mother, Ursula.
However, the conversation between the two women escalated and it broke down into a fight. To the point that they had to knock Marina out to halt her rampage. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. But had they not put Marina to sleep, chances are, someone would have been killed.
Since then, it had been quiet around the ship. Yes, the rest of the crew continued to go about their work like nothing happened. But that's because only the crew within the incident only knew about it. The rest were oblivious to it and for good reasons.
Isaac didn't want the crew to find out about the fight and believed joining them was a mistake. They needed order and civility. So, they kept quiet about it. With only Marina remaining in her quarters.
Titus is seen writing down in his book, ensuring their travels are being noted down. He knew they were a day away from the portal that'll lead them to Neverland. Once there, they will begin heading towards the location where the trident is hidden. He just has to make sure nothing gets in his way while they do this.
"We'll need to get in touch with our little spy in Neverland to ensure no one gets in our way," said Titus to himself as he leaned back against his seat. "It'll need to be perfectly timed. I can't afford to have our resources wasted on any obstacle."
He then gripped his pen tightly causing it to snap. "Even against Rogers…" Titus knew there was only one pirate that could stand in his way and that would be emperor of pirates himself. "If that blasted pirate finds out what I'm up to, he'll do all he can to stop me."
And that's the last thing Titus needs to deal with.
"Once I have the trident though, there's nothing anyone can do to stop me. I'll become the most powerful being in the entire world and I'll finish what I started thousands of years ago," said Titus as he intends to ensure nothing will get in his way of cleansing this world of its plague and start anew.
Titus soon hears the door knocking and turns to see Isaac coming in. "Apologies, captain. I came with your lunch," said Isaac as he presents the tray with the food covered by the lid.
Titus tosses his broken pen into the trash bin before standing up. "No need to apologize. You came just in time," said Titus as he closes his book and puts it away in his desk. "And what did your chef cook for us today?"
Isaac walked over and set the tray down on the table, before lifting the lid. "Raphael made cooked Atlantic salmon with fried rice, broccoli, and corn."
"I presume we caught this today?" Titus asked before he got a nod from Isaac. "Best to catch our meal through the sea itself and waste the food we have stored up," it was then he remembered something. "He did make sure our guest has her own meal, right?"
Isaac nodded before pulling out the note that Raphael gave him. "He made her a cooked lamb with similar sides as the salmon. I understand our guest is not going to eat anything from the sea due to her relationship with the inhabitants of the deep blue."
"Speaking of which, how is she?" Titus asked, wondering how Ariel is doing since last night.
"Naomi said she is well, but is still shaken from Marina losing her temper," said Isaac as he recalled what his sister told him after she delivered breakfast to Ariel this morning. "Sir, I know you don't like me bringing this up. I know you believe what you're doing is the right thing to do and I have tried my best not to question it so much."
"But?" Titus asked wondering where Isaac is going with this.
"I feel we should have nipped this on the butt long ago. We should have spoken to Marina long ago about this before kidnapping the queen. I understand this is a very sensitive subject, but I feel if we had done this sooner, then she wouldn't have reacted the way she did…sir."
Isaac knew Marina's past due to the conversations he had with his captain. He kept this to himself since he knew Marina would get angry at him for spreading her story without permission. He also knew if his captain had never told the crew about it, then he wouldn't either. However, he needed to be blunt with his captain and call out how late it took for him to do something about this.
Titus took in everything Isaac told him and couldn't deny the obvious truth. "You're right."
Isaac raised a brow with his captain's response, since he expected more pushback from this. "You…agree with me?"
"You sound surprised. Though it is warranted due to our past conversations about this," said Titus as he stood up and walked over to his shattered window. "For so long I have had Marina bury her feelings about this ever since I met her. I did it because I thought it was for her own good. That is what she needed to avoid losing herself. That was my mistake and one I need to
Isaac never expected to hear his captain admit he was wrong. Those were so rare to actually see. His captain's decisions always seemed to make sense. And it seemed like the only choice that needed to be made.
So, to hear him admit to this was one he didn't expect but welcomed it.
"Are you planning to talk to her? Help her move past this before we make it to Neverland?" Isaac asked figuring that his captain will do this to avoid any more problems.
"Aye," Titus replied knowing they can't delay this any longer. "I will speak with her tonight. However, I also need to speak with Ariel about something else she said."
"Ah. Are you referring to her trying to change your mind? And the crew?" Isaac asked figuring that would be brought up.
Ariel last night was trying her best to help convince Titus and the crew to not use the trident to wipe out humanity. To drown the world and start anew. Her words did seem to shake some of the crew's resolve, but he wonders if it affected their captain the most. Perhaps that's why he's bringing this up.
"Captain, whatever decision you make, please know this. We will stand by whatever you decide," said Isaac who knew whatever his captain decides to do, the crew will all be okay with it.
"I am aware, but Marina…she is a grown woman. Talking to her about this isn't exactly something I know how to handle," said Titus who was embarrassed to admit how little knowledge he has on dealing with…sensitive stuff.
"I am unfamiliar with this either, captain. However, perhaps I can speak with Naomi about this and see if she can help us," said Isaac who figured his sister would have some idea of how to talk to someone with a tragic past.
"Very good. As to about Areil trying to change our mind…I have no intention of changing course," said Titus revealing his intention to follow through with his plan. "While I understand Ariel's direction, I also know humanity will never accept someone with power tell them what to do."
Titus knows humanity, those with power, will always be threatened by any force who has more power than them. Even if that force offers them a chance to help their people, provide technology, medication, healthier food, and all without paying for it. To these people in power, they could never accept it.
It would threaten their profits. It would threaten their sophisticated lifestyle and would make the poor on equal footing with the rich. They would use their influence and money to destroy any hope of change. To tell the people they are the enemies and corrupt their minds to ensure the masses never rise against them.
"Ariel has a good heart, and I know she will try to keep trying to change my mind, but it will be in vain," said Titus as he closed his eyes and grips his fists.
"The old world will be washed away. Much like in the bible the humans' worship, God wiped away the sinners and started the world anew. I will do the same and ensure those that have been chosen to survive will be given the chance to fix the broken world. While I provide them with the tools needed to ensure the world is given a better future."
"And Ariel's family? You will spare them too, no?" Isaac asked as he brought up how Titus kept his word to Ariel about sparing her family. "That includes Gabriella."
Titus sighed in annoyance at the mention of the pirate girl. No doubt she would become a nuisance in his new world, as would Ariel and her family. However, by the time the world ends, he knows it won't matter a damn thing. They can't stop the inevitable and his new world will come to pass.
"I will of course spare them. Even the pirate girl, but for the time being," said Titus who knows if Gabriella comes for him again when this is over, he will finish her. "For now? I'll finish eating my meal before I call on Naomi to speak with her."
"Very good," said Isaac who begins preparing to take his leave.
"Oh, and Isaac. One more thing," said Titus as he calls on his second-in-command for something else that's on his mind. "For the time being, let's keep Marina and Ariel apart. Until I have my conversation with Marina and until we reach Neverland, the two must stay apart."
Meanwhile
Ariel is seen in her room, where she had remained locked due to not wanting to disturb the others. Ever since last night, she was worried she had upset the crew when she caused Marina to lose it. She blamed herself for what happened and regrated pushing her over the limit. She should have known better but was trying to defend what Eric did in stopping Ursula.
While yes, she was free to move around the ship, she didn't want to take the chance of her running into Marian. She is thankful that Naomi came by to see her. It gave her a chance to apologize for her actions and hope she would forgive him. Naomi though reassured none of the crew, including herself, except for possibly Marina, hate her.
They never knew anything about Marina's past. So, finding out about it was a nice surprise. Though they did wish Marina didn't freak out and almost kill them. But despite that, they didn't hate Ariel for it.
Naomi came by with Ariel's meal and led to where she could get cleaned up. This allowed Ariel to wash up after last night and get some food in her belly since she skipped dinner. After she finished, Naomi updated her with how everyone was doing. Most of the crew were fine, but poor Noah was going to remain in the infirmary after Marina hurt his throat.
"The good news is Odina told me he'll be back on his feet soon. He just can't talk or sing for at least a day," said Naomi as she sat on the bed while eating a sandwich. "I mean, I did want him to be quiet for a while, but not from an injury. I actually feel bad for him…don't tell him I said that."
"My lips are sealed. But he's still, okay? Even after the news?" Ariel asked as she sat on her chair near her table, where she was eating her meal.
She let Naomi sit on her bed so she could eat, since Ariel had spent much of the day in bed. Provided Naomi kicked off her boots, which she was going to do anyways. While even promising to fix it once she's done.
"Surprisingly? He's still in good spirits. He can still play his instruments, but the singing part I can tell is killing him," said Naomi who knew without being able to sing, Noah won't be able to express himself. "What about you? How are you holding up after last night?"
Ariel sighed softly as she looked down at her soup while stirring it a bit. "I've been all right. I still feel guilty for my involvement in what happened and how everyone got hurt because of it."
"Please. You aren't to be blamed for what happened," said Naomi who knew it wasn't Ariel's fault Marina snapped. "Marina was bound to let loose sooner or later with you around. I just didn't expect to find out…well, everything about her."
Ariel turned to Naomi slowly, while placing her hands together. "You really didn't know, huh? I guess she isn't like you and Noah. The sharing type, I mean."
"Nope," said Naomi who knew Marina had always kept her past to herself. "She's been that way since I met her. She never talked about her past to any of us…except with Titus, who she always listened to. I think Isaac knew because of how much he spends time with Titus."
Naomi though probably felt her brother never said anything since he respected the privacy of everyone onboard. Well, the privacy of the crew he knows. No one else, he didn't give a damn.
"Still, Marina always seemed to confine in Titus for anything," said Naomi as she finished with her sandwich and moved on to her apple.
Marina had always looked up to Titus and the two seemed to have a good relationship together. A kind of father-daughter that helped keep her from being too hostile with the crew. Naomi believed Titus favored her because of her magic. Though there were times when it felt like he truly cared for her and saw her like his own.
"Do you know how the two met?" Ariel asked wanting to get more information about Marina and Titus.
"I do," Naomi began to explain how they met.
Naomi's brother, Isaac, was with Titus when they went sailing to an area they had never gone to before. It was close to where Ariel's kingdom was, but they kept out of sight of any of their passing ships that would have spotted them. It appeared they were looking for Ursula, the sea witch herself.
"Ursula? Why would Titus go back to seeing her?" Ariel asked wondering what Titus was doing.
"From what Isaac told me, Titus needed some potions from her to help him," said Naomi who didn't reveal to Ariel about Titus' beast-like form that he got from Poseidon cursing him. "What I do know is his arrival came after you and your husband put the sea witch down."
Meaning, Titus appeared in the area after Ursula had been killed and most likely after Ariel's marriage to Eric. In any case, Naomi continued with her story.
When they arrived, they found a lone girl on a rock. She appeared out of it and looked like she was malnourished. Titus brought her onboard and began to care for her. She refused to eat or drink, so Titus tried to bond with her. Trying to gain her trust so he could help her.
After a few days, it worked. The girl began eating and drinking water. With Odina checking in on her and keeping up with her condition. After that, the girl began to talk to Titus. Telling him what happened and even giving her name.
It took a few days, but the girl revealed who she was to him.
"Marina," said Ariel figuring that's who Titus found.
"Yep," said Naomi who remembered her brother telling her what happened to her. "Isaac said that Marina had been a castaway and had been stuck on the rock for days. With no food or water. Naturally, Isaac didn't believe her story, but it didn't seem to matter to Titus. He decided to let her join them and became part of the crew."
After that, Marina began to spend more time with Titus. Growing closer to him and looking up at him like a father figure. Something told her that she never had a father in her life. And it felt like any mother she had; never gave her the love she needed.
"After that, Marina began growing closer to Titus. To the point that she would do anything for him," said Naomi who knew they would do the same too, but felt Marina would take it a step further.
"I see," said Ariel as she thinks back about what Marina told her and realized something. "You know, I remember her mention how she was there when her mother was killed. It's entirely possible that after losing her mother she chose to stay on that rock. And felt like she couldn't go on with her life."
Naomi thinks back after what Marina said and realized that it did make sense. "Still, dedicating herself to try to win the love and affection of a monster like Ursula. I really don't get it. Isaac told me Ursula didn't care about anyone but herself and her pets. I can't really imagine her being a loving parent at all."
"I know. I met her and she is all those horrible things," said Ariel who knew Ursula's evil is what made many feared and hate her. "But despite that, I can understand why Marina wanted to win her love."
Ariel explained that children are dependent on their parents. To shower them with love, to teach them, to guide them, and ensure they are ready for the world. From what Marina said, Ursula did none of those things. She treated her badly just because she wasn't good with magic and felt useless to her.
"Ursula wanted to use her, like she has used everyone who came to see her," said Ariel who knew she was no exception as she was used by the sea witch to get her father's trident. "So, when Titus met Marina and took care of her, the poor thing was given the kind of love she had been craving for a long time. And now sees Titus as the kind of parent she needed."
"Yeah, that does make sense. Still, it sounds more like you feel bad for her, despite her hatred towards you and what she tried to do to you last night," said Naomi who had trouble believing that Ariel is sympathetic towards Marina.
Ariel chuckled softly as if she had not forgotten what happened. "Believe me, I haven't forgotten, but…" Ariel couldn't deny the poor girl didn't deserve the life she had growing up. "I guess, I know what it's like watching your own mother being killed before your eyes. And growing up with someone who shut themselves off from the world."
Naomi remembered hearing how King Triton lost his wife to pirates, but didn't realize the other was there to see it. "Ah man, I'm so sorry to hear that."
"It's okay," said Ariel who had come to terms with what happened. "But that's why I feel like I can connect with Marina and can try helping her," it was then Ariel got an idea as she stood up from her chair. "In fact, where's her room?"
Naomi soon saw what Ariel wanted to do and got up nervously. "Whoa, whoa, hold up there, your majesty. I don't think that's such a good idea. Not after how last night went."
"Last night was my fault for pushing her. But if I go talk to her, apologize, and reconcile with her, maybe…just maybe we can end this hatred she has of me," said Ariel who knew that won't be easy, but it's better than the alternative.
"Or she could finish what she started? And I don't know about you, but I'm not looking forward to her strangling me again," said Naomi who wasn't happy with this idea. "How about we talk to Titus first and then…"
"Naomi, please," said Ariel as she walks up to the pirate girl and grabs her hands. "I just…I want to make things right between us. I want to end her hatred she has of me and help her heal. She can't do that like this. Please."
Naomi watched as Ariel pleaded with her to help take her to Marina. She knew this was a bad idea. One that will get her in a lot of trouble if all hell breaks loose. But she also knew she'd find a way to get to her and talk to her.
So, as much as she didn't like this, she knew she had to have her try. Naomi lets out a small sigh and motions for her to follow her.
"Just please don't say or do anything that'll get you killed, okay?" Naomi replied while mentally hoping this won't go horribly wrong.
"I promise, it'll be okay," said Ariel as she follows the other out the room.
Meanwhile
Marina is seen laid on her bed, while repeating the moments that led to her snapping and almost killing everyone. All repeating in her head, which caused her to wince and clench her fist. She remembered her and that bitch Ariel arguing about her mother, Ursula.
How Ursula didn't care about Marina, how she was using her, and how she deserved death. Marina hated Ariel for what she said. She hated her for making it seem like all she worked for was for nothing. And she had wasted her life on someone who never loved her.
Marina hated her for saying such things, but what she did next made her even more angry. Not at Ariel…but at herself.
She transformed into her true form and attacked everyone in that room. From the twins Mai and Mei, Naomi, Noah, Odina, Raphael, Isaac, Ariel, and Titus. She actually struck Titus. The man who took her in when she had nothing left and she actually hurt him.
Marina hated herself for what she did and how much harm she caused. She may have claimed to hate the crew, deep down, she really didn't. The twins were always a pleasure to have around, and she took pride in herself for teaching them when they had no proper education. Almost seeing them as her little siblings.
Odina taught her how to combine her potions with the medication, which was a new skill that Marina appreciated learning. While also learning to use the environment around her to help make stronger potions. She learned to cook when Raphael and Marina were the only ones who avoided getting suck. She didn't like how strict he was in his teachings, but understood he was trying to teach her patience, and to be inventive with her cooking.
Noah was annoying and she at times wanted to strangle him, but when she saw Titus playing an instrument with Noah, she went to Noah to learn to play. Noah there became less annoying and was an actual good teacher, who taught her to play more with her heart than mind.
As for Naomi, she was less annoying and was more someone who she could have a good read. In fact, the two would exchange books and have a proper discussion about them. Not all the time, but it was still nice. And she did appreciate her feedback on some of the books she had.
Isaac…despite hating how close he is to the captain and how religious he is, she didn't really hate him as a person. He was someone who endured so much pain and hardships. Despite all that, he never let it break him. He kept moving forward and became a man that even she could put her trust in. Even if she won't show it.
"And now they not only know my past, but saw me transform into a monster," said Marina as she sat up from her head and groaned. "And I almost killed them! I can't believe how stupid I was for doing that!"
Yes, she was pissed, but she took her anger out on the wrong people and showed everyone on the side of her she tried to keep hiding.
"Fucking shit, I'm so stupid," said Marina who wished she didn't lash out the way she did but couldn't help it. "I know she killed my mom, but I shouldn't have let it get to me. Was my mom perfect? No! Was she evil? I mean, yeah, of course. But did she deserve to die?"
Marina sat on the edge of the bed and groaned. "Of course not! Yes, she did treat me badly, but that's because I wasn't good enough with my magic. If she saw what I could do then she wouldn't have used that red-headed bitch, wouldn't have had gotten the trident, and not have been killed. Problem solved!"
Marina knew if her mother did any of those things, she would still be here. But instead? She used Ariel to get that stupid trident and tried to take over. And got killed.
Marina began to calm herself down and tried to avoid getting riled up. "Still, that trident was all she ever wanted. She wanted power, she wanted control and wanted to rule. Even if I had been there, could things have turned out differently?"
Could her involvement have saved her mother? She ran over these scenarios in her head, wondering if her involvement would have changed anything. She then began thinking back at what Ariel said and how her mom was using her. Those words echoed deep in her mind.
She hated that she would say such things, but at the same time, why did it feel truthful?
"Ugh! What am I thinking listening to that bitch?! She's wrong. She wasn't using me. She…she…wasn't…" Marina soon turned towards her mirror and begins closing her eyes as the voice of her mother began echoing in her head.
The sound of glass breaking, the sound of a young girl crying, and the sound of her mother's insults towards the young girl.
Flashback
"Useless!" spoke Ursula, as a young Marina is seen cowering after her mother tossed a failed potion bottle at her but missed and hit the wall.
"You're absolutely useless, you brat! I gave you a simple potion to make. One even a little trout like you should have been able to make. But instead? You brought me that? A failed useless potion!"
Young Marina whimpered and felt tears forming in her eyes as she spoke up, both terrified and her voice trembling. "I-I'm sorry, mo-mommy. I-I want-ed to try some-thing dif-different and surprise you. Some-thing I-I thought you'd like."
"Oh? Well, you failed at both. You failed to surprise me by actually doing something useful and making a worthless potion!" Ursula grabbed Marina and began dragging her out of the lair. "I am done with you! Get out! Out! Get out of my sight and don't come back here until you stop being useless!"
"M-Mommy! Please stop! You're hurting me!" young Marina begged as she felt her mom's hand gripping tightly around her wrist, before she's tossed out the lair. "Mommy! Please give me another chance. I can do better. I can."
Young Marina tried to swim back, but Flotsam and Jetsam, her mother's eels appeared in front of her. Shocking her away, all the while Ursula began to laugh as her eels came back to her.
"You may return, when like I said, you become useful to me," said Ursula as she begins to close the entrance to her lair, causing young Marina to swim towards the door. "If you do, then mommy will forgive you and will shower you with her love. But I highly doubt it."
Ursula began to laugh before closing the entrance completely. Preventing the young girl from being able to get back inside.
"No! Mommy! Don't leave me!" Marina cried out as the entrance closed in front of her and she began banging on it, while crying. "Mommy…please…I'm sorry for being…useless."
She begged for her to open the door as overtime she stopped banging on the entrance and slumped down on the sea floor, still crying.
(End of Flashback)
Marina wiped away tears from her eyes as she sighed softly. She hated how that was the last time she saw her mother. She hated how she never got a chance to prove herself to her. And show she wasn't useless.
But in the end? She would never get that chance. She was gone. And she would never be able earn her love.
Marina suddenly heard a knock on the door and heard its Naomi.
"Hey! Marina? You there? I have an urgent message from Titus," said Naomi as she spoke from behind the door.
Marina did her best to ensure no tears are around and looked normal. She didn't want to show any sign of weakness from everyone.
"Titus? What is it?" Marina got up and rushed to the door. "Is he hurt? Did we run into…oh…" Marina soon saw behind the door stood Naomi, with Ariel right behind her.
"H-Hello," said Ariel with an awkward smile and hand wave.
Marina narrowed her eyes and sighed softly as she watched the woman who she despises standing before her.
"Why the fuck is she here? And does Titus know you got her out of her room?" Marina asked Naomi, wondering what she was trying to do.
"First off, she's not a prisoner anymore, remember? She can move freely if she wants to. Secondly, he doesn't know, and I was dead set against this. Hell, I still am and think this is a stupid idea," Naomi explained before she turned to Ariel and sighed. "But she clearly wants to talk to you and wants to do it in a peaceful manner. Can we have that?"
Marina looked back at Ariel and scoffed. "I have nothing to say to her and she can go piss off."
As she went to close the door, Ariel steps from behind Naomi and placed her hand on Marina's. "Wait! Please, I…I came to apologize for what happened last night."
This shocked Marina who didn't expect to hear why she came to see her. "You came to apologize for last night? Are you serious?"
"I am," said Ariel who is aware that yes Marina had gone wild, but she still felt responsible for it. "I know what you did, but it was my fault too for pushing you the way I did and causing you to lash out. I want to please apologize for that and…and for other things too."
Marina really didn't know what to say. She came to apologize for what she did to her, while also wishing to apologize for everything else too? This is either a trick and she's trying to manipulate her…or she's being serious. In any case, she almost wanted to tell her no and slam the door on her.
But with everything that had happened and feeling her own guilt for what she did, she decided to try hearing her out.
"Fine, but just you. Naomi can stay out here," said Marina who didn't want Naomi involved.
"Ha! Like I'm leaving you two alone," said Naomi who didn't want to let Ariel go in alone with Marina and risk her going nuts.
"Naomi, it's okay. Really. I'll be fine," said Ariel as she reassured her friend, she'll be fine.
Naomi almost wanted to say no, but she knew Ariel clearly wanted to have some privacy with her and Marina. She turned to Marina before turning back to Ariel. Letting out a small sigh, she stood back and let her go in.
"Just please try to avoid any fighting," said Naomi who is hoping this will go better than last time.
Ariel nodded to Naomi before Mariana stepped aside to let her in. Once she was in, Marina closed the door, leaving them alone.
Ariel walked in to find the room to be…well different than she had imagined it would look like. The walls were painted sea breeze color and had colorful swirls around them. It has a king-size bed that has a purple mattress and turquoise sheets. The pillows were turquoise as well and looked thick. She has a treasure chest at the end of the bed along with a purple rug on the floor.
A viewport to look outside to the sea, which had purple curtains. She has a closet, a dresser with a mirror, and what looked like a door that led to another room.
"This room looks very…" Ariel was soon interrupted by Marina who spoke up when she felt her room was being judged.
"Let me guess, not evil looking enough or not dark and gloomy?" Marina asked, figuring that's what Ariel was going for.
"N-No. I was going to say this room looks actually real nice. I love it," said Ariel as she walked along the wall and moved her fingers along the painted wall. "Did you paint it this yourself?"
Marina crossed her arms and shrugged. "Isaac helped, but I did most of the swirling colors though."
"I can tell they were done carefully with a small brush," said Ariel as she took notice of the way the swirls were painted. "An artist who lived in the town near the castle showed me some of the arts that he had boughten and taught me how they were done. In fact, one of them, called the Triumph of Venus really caught my attention."
"Triumph of Venus?" Marina asked who sounded surprised.
"Yes. It was a painting made by…" as Ariel went to say the name, Marina too said it at the same time as Ariel.
"François Bouche!" said Ariel and Marina at the same time, causing them both to look surprised.
"You know of his work?" Ariel asked who didn't expect Marina to say the same name as she did.
"You must be joking?" Marina walked over to her closet and pulled out a painting of a half-naked woman laying on sheets and was smiling. "We were in France a few years ago and I intended to steal this. But when I saw how hard the artist worked on this, I decided to buy it from him instead."
"A pirate buying a work of art. That's surprising," said Ariel as she gave a small little chuckle when she saw how Marina paid for something instead of stealing it.
"Ha ha, funny," said Marina in a dull fake laughter. "I'll have you know, I respect artists for their work and how much dedication they put into it."
"Like your potion making," said Ariel as she figured that's what's behind the door. "I take it that's where you work on your potions?'
"Yes, it is and no you can't go in. I keep it under lock and key to keep anyone from going in there," said Marina who felt a little suspicious the queen was trying to get to her potion room.
"I suppose that does make sense. You wouldn't want anyone messing around with your potions and the ingredients you have there," said Ariel who knew nothing about making potions, but knew they require a lot of work and being careful when trying to mix different ingredients together.
"Exactly," said Marina as she begins putting the painting away. "Potion making is like a work of art. You can be creative with what you make, as long as you're careful and don't get it wrong. Otherwise, the process will take even longer to get done."
"I guess that's why your mother was so good at it," said Ariel before realizing how the mention of her mother, caused the room to get silent.
Ariel saw Marina appear to freeze in place, so she tried to get to the reason why she came. And hope it'll help without getting upset.
"Marina…I'm sorry…I'm sorry for you losing your mother. I'm sorry for the role my husband and I played in her death, but I am hoping you'll understand it wasn't with malice intent," said Ariel as she tried to explain why Eric did what he did.
"Your mother…maybe to you wasn't a monster, but to the rest of the sea, she was," said Ariel as she revealed all the horrible things Ursula had done.
From tricking Merpeople into deals they had no way of paying back. To manipulate those around her to get what she wants. To trick Ariel so she could use her to get her father's trident. And her trying to kill her along with Eric when she transformed into a giant monster.
"I know you don't want to hear this, but she was a monster, Marina. And she wasn't going to stop or change her ways," said Ariel as she spoke with a calm tone while trying to help Marina understand what she's saying.
"Eric, my husband, he did what he needed to do and saved a lot of lives. I am sorry for what we did, and we'll understand if you'll never forgive us. And never forgive us for losing your chance to win her love. But deep down, I feel like she had no love to give, except for herself and her pets."
Ariel finished apologizing and stood back wondering what Marina would say or do. She was worried that after a minute, Marina didn't say anything or moved. She was now wondering if this was a mistake and should have listened to Naomi. She was close to the door and could escape, but she wanted to wait a little longer to see if she'd say something.
After another minute passed, Marina took a deep breath and exhales before she finished putting her painting away. She then turned to Ariel, but didn't have a look of anger or rage on her face. But a calm expression. Though it was one she was worried could change quickly to a rageful one if given the chance.
"I…I know all about the stuff she did," said Marina, revealing she knew all of the horrible things her mother did. "I was there for the deals she made with the Merpeople. I was there for what she had them do for her and how many lives she took in the process. I knew all about it. And no, I didn't like a single bit of it."
"This might be hard to believe but, when I was younger…I was kinder, more open to helping people, and wanted to do the right thing. I even wanted to craft potions to help people. But my mother saw them as failures and hated that I wasn't exactly like she wanted me to be."
"Being evil like her," said Ariel figuring that's what Ursula wanted.
"Exactly," said Marina as she looked over to the mirror and begins walking over towards it. "My potions were weak, they weren't what my mother wanted, and I couldn't live up to her expectations. She even said she'd rather have her sister, Morgana, as her student since her potions weren't as bad as mine."
Ariel winced when she mentioned Morgana, who while evil, wasn't so good at potion making like Ursula. Most of the potions she did have had come from her sister's lair after her death. Still, to be as bad as Morgana. That must have hurt Marina.
"And she was right. I was too weak, and I wasn't going to get any better," said Marina who knew her spells needed to improve to earn her mother's love. "So, I left into the world and began to learn magic. I came across a few mystical beings that were willing to teach me and over time I ended up growing stronger."
To the point her potions were even better than her own mother's. So, when she was finally ready, she left and returned home, only to find her mother being killed before her.
"When I saw your husband drive that ship into my mother, killing her. I felt devastated. I felt like my chance to finally win my mother's love was all for nothing. And I felt like I had no purpose after that," said Marina as she explained what she had gone through after losing her mother.
"I know she was evil. I know she did terrible things. But even so…I still wanted her to acknowledge me. I wanted her to give me her approval and tell me she loved me," said Marina as she brought her first down on the top of the dresser, making a crack on it. "It's all I ever wanted! And it was taken from me!"
Ariel got worried Marina's anger was growing again and needed to be careful. She wanted to speak up, but felt Marina needed to get this out. For her own sake. And finally coming to terms with what happened.
Marina began to calm herself down when she looked in the mirror and saw Ariel's concerned look on her face. She took many deep breaths and exhaled a few times, before finally, she felt calm.
"I…I do hate you for what you did, and I hate that you took everything from me. But…" Marina stood up and turned towards the woman who robbed her of her mother's acceptance. "After you came here to apologize for what happened and after thinking about what led to my mother's death…I suppose the fault is not entirely on you or that husband of yours."
Now this surprised Ariel, but felt relief that Marina seemed to be moving away from blaming them completely for what happened.
"Marina does this mean…" Ariel is hoping that this means there can be peace between the two.
Marina though, held out her left hand and explained where she is going with this. "Do not mistaken this as me forgiving either of you. I still hate you, but…" she crossed her arms and sighed. "As Titus told me when he brought me back to my room…the past is in the past. There is nothing we can do to change what happened before. What we can do instead is move forward and try to live a better life."
Ariel listened to the saying that Titus told Marina, which is a nice saying and one she probably will help spread around.
"You and Titus seem very close. Naomi told me he took care of you when they first found you and helped you recover," said Ariel as she recalled what Naomi said.
"She did, did she?" Marina asked while mentally reminding herself to tell Naomi to stop telling people about her without her permission. "What else did she say?"
"Only that you see him as a father figure and how you look up to him," said Ariel as she walked over to Marina, while showing no fear of her approach. "I think it's really sweet that you see him like a father, especially after what you told me happened with your father."
"How he abandoned me before I was even born? Yeah. Fuck him," said Marina who didn't really care who her old man really is or was. "As for Titus, I don't see him like a father. More like someone I really admire and would do anything for."
"And someone who helped guide you, right? Taught you a lot and made sure you were, okay? Sounds like someone being more of a father figure," said Ariel who could tell from what she's seen, Titus cares for her greatly.
Marina didn't see it that way, though she appreciated him always being there for her whenever she dealt with any painful memories and kept her from losing her temper.
"I don't see it that way, but can understand why you'd think that," said Marina before deciding to move this along. "As I said, I still hate you, but I see no point in continuing my hatred towards you. Not since I know what Titus is seeking and how I will help him achieve his goal."
Ariel knew Marina, like Titus, wanted to use the power of Poseidon's original trident to wipe the world of humanity. To start fresh and create a new world, by drowning the old one.
"Marina, you don't really believe doing this is the right thing to do, right? I know humanity has done terrible things, but it doesn't mean the innocent among them should be punished," said Ariel who is still against Titus' plan and wants no part of it.
"You only heard of the terrible things, but never seen it with your own eyes," said Marina who knew Ariel, having never experienced what her comrades have, has no idea of how horrible humanity really is. "You haven't seen what we all have. The horrible atrocities humanity has done to their fellow man and to this world."
"Maybe not, but what of those who never did anything wrong. What crimes did they commit to deserve such a horrible fate?" Ariel asked, wondering how they can justify drowning those that haven't done anything wrong.
Marina knew that part was something that much of the crew had an issue with, but Marina knew there was a way around it. She knew humanity was too far gone and were never going to fix their flaws in time. Still, she knew while they saved those they could restart, that those that haven't been chosen will be wiped away. It is a sin she knew many on this ship were willing to take with them.
Before she could answer her though, they could hear Naomi and Isaac's voice on the other side of the door.
"Naomi…what are you doing here?" Isaac could be heard speaking to his sister.
"Oh, just came to see if Marina needed something to eat," Naomi replied while lying. "What can I do for you, brother?"
Isaac can tell his sister was lying and knew she was hiding something. "Naomi, as your brother, I should warn you as Titus' second-in-command, I will be authorized to punish you if you're doing something that you're not supposed to."
"Whaaaaat? What makes you think I'm doing something wrong?" Naomi asked as she was clearly failing at lying.
"Because you're not making eye-contact and you're appearing to be sweating," said Isaac as he kept interrogating his sister. "Fine, if you aren't doing anything wrong, then let me speak with Marina."
"Oh um of course. Just give her a minute. She's taking care of some personal stuff. It's a woman thing," said Naomi as she again lied, while trying to buy Ariel time to get out of there.
"Oh, that's not good. And woman thing? Gods she didn't need to say that," said Marina who knew Ariel and her were supposed to be kept apart. "You need to go."
"Why? I thought I wasn't a prisoner anymore," said Ariel who didn't understand what the problem is.
"Prisoner? No. But you and I need to be kept apart," said Marina who knew they weren't allowed together after last night. "Just follow me."
Marina pressed on the wooden wall, causing the wall to split open and reveal a ladder. "This will take you to the next floor. Just go up there, then go back to your quarters."
Ariel still felt she shouldn't have to leave, but she didn't want to cause any more issues. "All right and Marina…please. Just think about it."
Marina didn't say anything and simply pushed Ariel into the secret room and closed it behind her. She didn't need to think about it. She knew what they were doing and would follow through with it. She understands Ariel's reasoning but knows there isn't much she can do. This is Titus' plan, and they will make sure it achieved.
"Naomi, stand a side," said Isaac as he looked to open the door.
"Fine! But fair warning, brother. Never mess with a woman when its that time of the month for her," said Naomi as she moved aside but yelled out loud so Ariel inside could hide or find a way to get out.
Marina felt herself snap a bit before she rushed to the door and swung open the door. "Stop talking so openly about that! I don't need the whole ship to hear that!" Marina shouted in anger.
Isaac and Naomi took a step back when the door was swung open, before Marina in rage mode came out to yell at them. Both recovered as Isaac cleared his throat.
"Marina, the captain wishes to speak with you. I presume you know what it is about?" Isaac asked figuring that Marina was expecting to have a talk with the captain after last night.
Marina sighed as she nodded in response. "I was wondering when he wanted to talk to me…fine. Let me get my coat."
"Very good…" Isaac then cleared his throat and steps forward to continue speaking. "And one more thing, everything good here? Was there something you needed from Naomi?"
Marina looked back at Isaac, before looking back at Naomi, who looked worried her brother would find out she was lying.
"Just a few minor things, but I was trying to write them down before you showed up," said Marina as she lied to Isaac, protecting both Ariel and Naomi, much to the young pirate's surprise. "Anything else?"
Isaac stood straight up and narrowed his eyes. He turned to his sister, who looked away from him, before turning back to Marina, who had no trouble staring at him. Even lie to him. And the problem is, Isaac would never know if she was lying or not.
"No. Nothing else," said Isaac before turning to his sister. "Return to your duties. Are we clear?"
"Yes sir," said Naomi as she mentally sighed in relief that she didn't get caught.
She soon took off and hoped Ariel is okay. While hoping Marina didn't kill her while she was in the room. As she heads down the hallway back to where Ariel's room is at, to her surprise, she sees Ariel standing there by the door. Somehow getting here before her.
"H-Ho-w did you? Wh-hen did you? What?" Naomi looked completely confused and wondered how Ariel got out of the room without being seen.
"I'll explain everything later. For now? Let's take the dishes to the kitchen and return you to your duties," said Ariel as she began heading to the room to gather the dishes, while making a mental note of what to do next.
My talk with Marina went sort-of well. But I need to try convincing Titus to change his way. Ariel thought, knowing she if everyone looks up to Titus and listens to him, then if she can change his mind then the crew will follow. It won't be easy. I know that for sure. But if I can stop him from destroying the world, then we can end this peacefully.
That's the end of the chapter and it looks like Ariel has a plan. Her meeting with Marina went better than expected. While she also managed to talk to her in a peaceful manner. Marina isn't still friendly to her, but it's better than nothing.
Also, I wanted to show a little bit of similarities between the two women. Both their interest in certain human stuff and how they're not that different. I'm hoping it'll lead to something. And hope you'll all enjoy it.
Also, yeah, Titus doesn't seem to be ready to let his hatred for humanity go. He isn't wrong though. Humanity, at least, humans with power will always fight change. They don't want anything that'll ruin their fancy lives and wealth.
It reminds me a lot of Captain Nemo's conversation with Professor Pierre Aronnax. How the professor tries so hard to convince Nemo to share his knowledge and inventions with the world. Something Nemo hesitates to do, due to his experience with man. Perhaps Ariel can be different though, but we'll see.
Still, how will things go as they continue heading to Neverland? Will they make it without any interruptions? Will they make it before Gabriella and the others find the trident? And how does Titus know of its exact location?
Tune in next time to find out & thank you all for the support for my friend. He appreciates all the support for his story and if you like how this chapter went, then please leave some reviews. Just nothing negative please. See you all next time, take good care, and have a good day.
Also, for those wondering how the characters sound like. Well, in my head, these are actors who I'd pick for them to sound like (or who they played from the canon films):
Main Protagonist:
Queen Ariel – Jodi Benson
Princess Melody – Tara Strong
King Eric – Christopher Daniel Barnes
King Triton – Kenneth Mars
Attina – Kari Wahlgren
Urchin – Danny Cooksey
Sally – Awkwafina
Gabriella Sparrow – Sarah-Nicole Robles
Lara the Fairy – Brenda Song
Lapis – Ashly Burch
Side Characters:
Alana – Jennifer Hale
Aquata – Grey DeLisle
Arista – Grey DeLisle
Adella – Tara Strong
Andrina – Tara Strong
Sebastian – Samuel E. Wright
Flounder – Jason Marin
Grimsby – Ben Wright
Carlotta – Edie McClurg
Captain Bryan – Jon Favreau
Captain Nereus – Chris Parnell
Lyra – Marina Satti
Polyphemus – Manos Katrakis
Main Antagonist:
Titus – Temuera Morrison
Marina – Elsie Lovelock
Isaac – Idris Elba
Raphael – Danny Trejo
Naomi – Anna Akana
Noah – Michael Kovach
Mei & Mai Katsumoto – Olivia Hack
Odina – Amber Midthunder